Here are some handy tips and tricks to encourage your husband to get rid of stuff so you don’t have to live with his mess.
Getting rid of stuff can be tough. But, it can also be challenging living with someone who has difficulty throwing things away.
If you’ve been living through this scenario with your spouse, you may have found yourself wondering how to motivate your husband to declutter.
Well, I’m going to give you some tips and tricks you can use to do just that.
How To Help Your Husband Get Rid Of Stuff
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1. Be Honest And Open
Some people have no problem living with clutter and mess. They don’t see how untidy their surroundings are and, as a result, are not impacted by clutter in the least.
You need to have an honest conversation with your significant other about how the clutter makes you feel. Make them aware of the effect that too much stuff and disorganization has on you.
Keep things calm here. Try not to let the conversation escalate into a fight. Also, stick to one point. Don’t use this as a gateway to discuss every other thing that has bothered you over the years about your spouse.
2. Declutter Together
Sorting through clutter and getting rid of stuff can be overwhelming. People may just avoid doing it because it’s a daunting task.
Simply offering a helping hand through this process may be enough to motivate your husband to get started.
Asking these questions can help him to declutter.
3. Be Compassionate
Remember that decluttering is a process. It takes a while to be ready to let go of things and the more sentimental value the item has, the more difficult it is to get rid of it.
Don’t nag or get angry if your husband wants to hold onto more stuff than you’d like right now. Let a few months go by and revisit those items again later.
4. Set Space Limits
Every item in your home needs to be stored in a designated area. Setting limits on the space reserved for a specific category can be a great way to contain clutter.
Use containers as natural limits. For example, you can only keep as many items as would fit into a specific drawer, box or closet. Once you exceed what can fit in that storage space, you need to get rid of items inside before you bring more home.
5. Lead By Example
Set the example for how you want your husband to behave. If he sees you’re so much happier and organized because you decluttered, he might be inspired to do the same. So, make it a habit to sort through and get rid of stuff regularly.
Maybe, even involve him in the process somewhat by asking his opinion on things you should get rid of. Or, let him drop off a box of your donations to a thrift store or charity where he can see firsthand that letting go of stuff can help other people.
6. Allow Your Husband To Have A Space For His Mess
Make it a rule that family or shared areas must be clean and tidy but if your spouse has a personal space in the home, he can do what he wants there. For example, if he has his own home office, garage space, even a walk-in closet, that’s where he can be as messy as he likes.
What’s great about this is he’ll have at least one space in the house where he doesn’t feel restricted. And, you won’t have to look at, or deal with, the mess.
7. Go Digital
If your spouse has a ton of paper clutter e.g. too much mail, magazines, newspapers or even books, encourage him to go digital.
You can sign up with your bank and utility companies to receive statements and bills online. Switch over to receive digital copies of his favorite magazines and newspapers. Sign up with Audible for audiobooks or purchase ebooks.
Here’s how to stop receiving junk mail, if that’s also an issue.
8. Hide Stuff
Sometimes, a stubborn spouse calls for drastic measures. If your husband flat out refuses to even try decluttering because they think they need and use everything, try hiding stuff.
Now, I would never tell you to get rid of someone else’s stuff without their express permission but your significant other may need a little nudge.
If there are items that you’re certain they never use, pack them into a box and put it in a storage area out of sight e.g. in the garage, basement or storage room. Write the date on a it so you remember exactly when you put those things away.
In a few months, show your husband the box and the items in it. Let them see how long you’ve had those things packed away. And, point out the fact that they didn’t even notice they were missing from the house.
Ask if they’re willing to part with at least a few items in the box, if not everything.
9. Compromise Is Necessary
If there’s one word people dislike, it’s “compromise” but, it’s a necessary part of life.
You may need to realize that your way of doing things is not the only way they should be done.
See if you both can come to some sort of agreement about your husband’s clutter. Maybe he stores it all in one place. Maybe, he agrees to practice the One-In, One-Out rule where anytime he brings something home, he must get rid of a similar item stored in the same place.
Helping your husband get rid of stuff if he isn’t willing, might be a battle but just know that it’s possible to get to a place where you’re both happy.